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When you’re restoring a car, you can really focus on getting original parts that can be hard to find. A great solution is junkyard auto parts. Touring a junkyard isn’t considered exciting by many, but it really can be when you find the vehicle you’re looking for and then find the part you want. (And the price is great too!)
Some parts you can’t skimp on, like breaks for example! But some are purely for the purists, like the right door handle or lock mechanism, or the radio knob. These parts can cost you an arm and a leg if you buy them from the manufacturers because they know how hard it can be to find them on some dealers’ shelves. But in many cases used auto parts of this nature can be found at your local junkyard.
Junkyard cars offer a lot of cheap auto parts if you want to take the time to look. And you can get more for the money you spend. The real goal is to get your modern car in tip-top shape.
The internet being what it is these days, you can sometimes find the part you want by searching your junkyard’s website! A junkyard search like this couldn’t be easier! You will also be able to find the location of the junkyard and its hours. If you check the search engines or the yellow pages, you may be surprised to discover that there is more than one place to look for auto parts near you. Just remember that looking for used auto parts isn’t much different than looking for a used car. Also check out the classifieds. All of these ways of looking will save you time and money.
Searching spare parts for junk cars it doesn’t have to be difficult. Keep these things in mind when you go out:
1. Know exactly what you need before you go. Learn the make and model of your car and, if possible, any cars that have also used those parts. Some things are used for more than one, like radios, for example.
2. Know what you need to get the part out and grab those tools. Also bring some extra tools, so you can remove anything you have to remove to get to your part. You never know. You can take your toolbox or your bag with you. Do not care
3. If what you’re looking for has small parts like screws and washers, bring a Ziploc bag too. This will ensure that you don’t lose them somewhere in the junkyard!
4. Decide how much you want to spend for the paper before you go. This can prevent you from overspending on your budget. Sometimes these junkyards have staff that will remove the part or take it off a shelf. Knowing what you want to spend will help you determine if you want it from this place. Also, find out what they will charge you for it if you find it and remove it yourself. You don’t want to go through the hassle only to be left behind because their prices are out of your reach.
5. Carry bottled water with you. Those junkies can get hot. It can also be useful for washing hands or parts. Many of those vehicles are there because they were wrecked in muddy conditions.
If you’re like me, once you’ve tried looking for auto parts in the junkyard, you’ll never go back. Just remember to keep an eye out for that junkyard dog!